the blog

Quotas, safe spaces, and image obsession – Report from the Leeds Open Space

There was a great turn out at Sheaf Street on Monday 26 March for good food and an evening of conversation and debate about how we can begin to tackle inequality in the music industry.  In fact so good was the Leeds open space that I was struck dumb (literally, with the flu, hence the […]Read More

‘Fresh ideas… knowledge, greater understanding, confidence and new people’ – what musicians will get from The One Dayer

the hub’s One Dayer – Independent Music, Money & Tech takes place in Camden on 1 July. In her latest blog, the hub’s Director, Julia Payne, talks about why the event is a ‘must go to’ event for musicians, songwriters and composers working in beyond mainstream music – and what they can expect to get […]Read More

Developing young audiences – Good Reads

Ahead of Takes One To Know One, our free one-hour web chat looking at how to work with young people to develop young audiences, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite content from the web looking at young audiences. We’ve been busy talking to young people at the Roundhouse in London and posting the results on our YouTube channel. […]Read More

Networking, or whatever you want to call it…

We have another ‘Off Axis’ show coming up this week – a band from Hastings and a band from Wrexham are playing together in Chester. If you’ve read my previous posts you’ll know we’re working on a touring network that enables artists to visit new towns and cities for the first time, and play to […]Read More

RE-SET: virtual action learning for artists and creative freelancers

RE:SET is a virtual action learning programme for creative freelancers, artists and other creative entrepreneurs based in England. Designed in response to Covid 19, it brings together peers from across the sector to help each other explore their challenges, opportunities and dilemmas and unlock new insights.Read More

Glastonbury enables breakthrough in mobile games at festivals

Increased connectivity at festivals like Glastonbury means Joining the Dots winner Paul Archer is one step closer to launching his live music gaming app. Read More

Eventbox – a new era of music listings is starting but where?

Latest news on the app that lets you listen to listings. Eventbox mastermind Joey Baxter has decided in which area it will be launched and how he's going to ensure that venues get the maximum benefit. Read More

First Off Axis gig brings new fans for out of town bands

It’s just after 9pm on Saturday night in Derby when Manchester’s Black Lights take to the stage. They’re the second band on of a three band line up, and spend the next half an hour delivering the kind of faultless, beautifully crafted songs that has seen them build a loyal and passionate fan base back […]Read More

Joining the Dots

Joining the Dots was a support programme for entrepreneurial artists, promoters and others working in independent music in England. Through the programme we sought to support game-changing ideas, share know-how and connect people.Read More

Jeff Thompson of Un-Convention

How to guarantee an audience in a city you have never played before

Joining the Dots winner Jeff Thompson explains how his Off-Axis project, inspired by a hugely successful system in Brazil, will enable bands to play to packed houses across the UK. Read More